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Dear Moderator,
Greetings from Shiva and Meenakshi Iyer.
I want you publish this if found useful.
Greetings.
One samaritan friend in 2003/04 introduced us to the concept oc community living where she with her husband was living for a year then. We heard, visited and stayed as guest for five days and realised that this is where we should retire to reach the ultimate goal of our life of finding who we are! So we booked ourselves in the waiting list.
In Dec,2004, we could get a cottage in Dhyanaprastha, a senior citizen's complex, housing along with it three sister-prasthas about 120 cottages of Hindus-pattars. A typical day starts with Nagar Bhajan, with daily sessions of various spiritual endeavours. But the core of this community Living is the super sense of Safety and Security you feel.
For instance, we are not allowed to keep the cottage locked continuously. so we requested our
then86/72years old parents to occupy the house till 2007, when my husband would retire. Even afterwards we could move by 2009 only because of personal commitments. But for five years, we never had any tension surmounting us about them, for the members/ management shower love nad affection. It is indeed a huge joit family, with privacy. They were very very happy and are still with us enjoying their second childhood.
I.Vanaprastha/Dhyanaprastha Senior Citizen Home @ Coimbatore
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Mr AV Ramaswamy
cottage A1,
vanaprastha senior citizen complex,
kasthurinaicken palayam,vadavalli,
coimbatore 641041,
phone 0422 2404008
A V Ramaswamy -Coimbatore
“Don’t make old age homes. It should be a place to live with some pride and prestige. It should be a life with dignity. This was the advice of my guru Swami Dayananda Saraswathi,” says A.V. Ramaswamy, Managing Trustee of Vanaprastha, a senior citizens’ home in Coimbatore.
Thanks to its extremely impressive service, it has virtually inspired a number of such homes in and around Coimbatore city.
For the 74-year-old former UN official, it is not the brick and mortar that make a senior citizens’ home. “It is the package of services, especially medical assistance, which plays the crucial role. It should be able to enrich the lives of the inmates”.
In an interaction with G. Satyamurty, he explains how he stumbled upon a project like Vanaprastha, which has been growing like a banyan tree.
Born in Thrissur, he graduated in Economics from Sacred Heart’s College, Kochi. After working for a couple of years in the USAID, he was roped into the UNICEF. “Most of my career was related to some social welfare project or the other. When I joined the UNICEF I was just 24. I have had postings in various countries including China, and welfare of women and children, and healthcare, were some of my major assignments.”
Despite the pressure to continue, he sought an early retirement from the UNICEF as he wanted to do something for the society.
He personally oversaw the construction of the Anaikatty Ashram on a 65-acre site where Swami Dayananda Saraswathi stays. Besides, he became a director in various organisations.
“The concept of a senior citizens’ home came into my life in 1996-97. I had some idea regarding such organisations functioning in the United States. Some of them are so big that they could accommodate even 1,000 people. However, I could purchase only two acres the next financial year.”
Mr. Ramaswami points out that while Vanaprastha Trust was conceived as a non-profitable organisation, “I was particular that donations should not be accepted. It should be self-supporting and thus economically viable. Besides, the package of services should make the inmates feel comfortable and secure.”
The first phase, which originally started with a multipurpose hall and 20 cottages, grew into one of 60 houses.
“On the very day of the bhoomi puja for the next phase, named Dhyanaprastha, in 2002-03, all the 50 houses planned had been booked,” Mr. Ramaswamy proudly points out.
“As I didn’t want the Vanaprastha to be crowded, I have made Dhyanaprastha a totally separate entity though that is also administered by the same trust.” Despite such a phenomenal success in this front, which has made him very popular, he still bats for the “joint family system”. “As I was born in that system, I still feel it great,” she says.
He admits that nowadays privacy is required “both for the young and the old and nuclear families have become the norm of the day”.
“Even if the relationship between the parents and their wards is absolutely fine, living together has become an issue. I concede that joint family system cannot work anymore. Double employment is another serious issue which can play havoc in some families.”
“I don’t think it (double employment providing greater comfort and prosperity) is 100 per cent true. A lot of people (women) go in for prestige and a sense of satisfaction. Some seek economic emancipation. But what a disturbance it causes to the children?” he asks.
Mr. Ramaswamy is categorical that women should take care of children up to the age of at least 12. “No sophisticated nanny can match a mother.”
He admits that not all those people who are seeking such homes are “fully justified”. “If at all they can recognise that other people (sons and daughters) also have similar problems, most of the issues could be solved. Coimbatore needs more such homes as there is quite a lot of demand , thanks to its salubrious climate.”
“I tell them do not come here with a feeling that you have no other alternative. But you should come here with a contented mind, happy and ready to accept this change as a reality. Besides, if there are a number of activities in which the seniors can voluntarily involve themselves and spend their time purposefully, that could be immensely helpful.”
Apart from activities like bhajans, discourses, music concerts, etc., he is happy to note that the inmates have adopted a nearby balwadi and a panchayat elementary school. Besides providing the children milk, they also give them uniform and books. They have constructed even 10 toilets. All this is done by pooling in their resources voluntarily.
The medical centre and the physiotherapy unit functioning at Vanaprastha are open to all the villagers as well.
“We have also constructed a pyramid which can accommodate more than 100 people for meditation.” While senior citizens do need this type of support, it could prove a “disaster” if it were to be handled by wrong persons or organisations, he warns.
He also gives vent to his latest apprehensions that have started haunting him. “Honestly when I started the project I didn’t feel so. But when I see some of the inmates passing away and some becoming single, I realise that there is a paradigm shift in the lives of such people. And they should be provided proper support services, including resident nurses, if necessary.” | Mr.AV Ramaswamy
cottage A1,
vanaprastha senior citizen complex,
kasthurinaicken palayam,vadavalli,
coimbatore 641041,
phone 0422 2404008
A V Ramaswamy -Coimbatore
“Don’t make old age homes. It should be a place to live with some pride and prestige. It should be a life with dignity. This was the advice of my guru Swami Dayananda Saraswathi,” says A.V. Ramaswamy, Managing Trustee of Vanaprastha, a senior citizens’ home in Coimbatore.
Thanks to its extremely impressive service, it has virtually inspired a number of such homes in and around Coimbatore city.
For the 74-year-old former UN official, it is not the brick and mortar that make a senior citizens’ home. “It is the package of services, especially medical assistance, which plays the crucial role. It should be able to enrich the lives of the inmates”.
In an interaction with G. Satyamurty, he explains how he stumbled upon a project like Vanaprastha, which has been growing like a banyan tree.
Born in Thrissur, he graduated in Economics from Sacred Heart’s College, Kochi. After working for a couple of years in the USAID, he was roped into the UNICEF. “Most of my career was related to some social welfare project or the other. When I joined the UNICEF I was just 24. I have had postings in various countries including China, and welfare of women and children, and healthcare, were some of my major assignments.”
Despite the pressure to continue, he sought an early retirement from the UNICEF as he wanted to do something for the society.
He personally oversaw the construction of the Anaikatty Ashram on a 65-acre site where Swami Dayananda Saraswathi stays. Besides, he became a director in various organisations.
“The concept of a senior citizens’ home came into my life in 1996-97. I had some idea regarding such organisations functioning in the United States. Some of them are so big that they could accommodate even 1,000 people. However, I could purchase only two acres the next financial year.”
Mr. Ramaswami points out that while Vanaprastha Trust was conceived as a non-profitable organisation, “I was particular that donations should not be accepted. It should be self-supporting and thus economically viable. Besides, the package of services should make the inmates feel comfortable and secure.”
The first phase, which originally started with a multipurpose hall and 20 cottages, grew into one of 60 houses.
“On the very day of the bhoomi puja for the next phase, named Dhyanaprastha, in 2002-03, all the 50 houses planned had been booked,” Mr. Ramaswamy proudly points out.
“As I didn’t want the Vanaprastha to be crowded, I have made Dhyanaprastha a totally separate entity though that is also administered by the same trust.” Despite such a phenomenal success in this front, which has made him very popular, he still bats for the “joint family system”. “As I was born in that system, I still feel it great,” she says.
He admits that nowadays privacy is required “both for the young and the old and nuclear families have become the norm of the day”.
“Even if the relationship between the parents and their wards is absolutely fine, living together has become an issue. I concede that joint family system cannot work anymore. Double employment is another serious issue which can play havoc in some families.”
“I don’t think it (double employment providing greater comfort and prosperity) is 100 per cent true. A lot of people (women) go in for prestige and a sense of satisfaction. Some seek economic emancipation. But what a disturbance it causes to the children?” he asks.
Mr. Ramaswamy is categorical that women should take care of children up to the age of at least 12. “No sophisticated nanny can match a mother.”
He admits that not all those people who are seeking such homes are “fully justified”. “If at all they can recognise that other people (sons and daughters) also have similar problems, most of the issues could be solved. Coimbatore needs more such homes as there is quite a lot of demand , thanks to its salubrious climate.”
“I tell them do not come here with a feeling that you have no other alternative. But you should come here with a contented mind, happy and ready to accept this change as a reality. Besides, if there are a number of activities in which the seniors can voluntarily involve themselves and spend their time purposefully, that could be immensely helpful.”
Apart from activities like bhajans, discourses, music concerts, etc., he is happy to note that the inmates have adopted a nearby balwadi and a panchayat elementary school. Besides providing the children milk, they also give them uniform and books. They have constructed even 10 toilets. All this is done by pooling in their resources voluntarily.
The medical centre and the physiotherapy unit functioning at Vanaprastha are open to all the villagers as well.
“We have also constructed a pyramid which can accommodate more than 100 people for meditation.” While senior citizens do need this type of support, it could prove a “disaster” if it were to be handled by wrong persons or organisations, he warns.
He also gives vent to his latest apprehensions that have started haunting him. “Honestly when I started the project I didn’t feel so. But when I see some of the inmates passing away and some becoming single, I realise that there is a paradigm shift in the lives of such people. And they should be provided proper support services, including resident nurses, if necessary.
II.Retirement Home- Brindavan Senior Citizen Foundation at Vadavalli/Thondamuthur in Coimbatore
Dear sir, Thanks for your reference.
We request you to kindly send your needs like wheather you need Single Bed or Two Bed accommodation, we shall keep in the wait list and when we get an allotment, we shall get back to You,
Regards,
Madhavan
Shri R Madhavan
Brindavan Senior Citizen Foundation
Guhan Gardens
Lakshmi Nagar
Thondamuthur Road
COIMBATORE 641 046.
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Tel. 0422-2424599 // 0422-2423295 (R)
Mobile : (0)9443335848
e-mail : madha...@yahoo.com
III.Retirement Home: Shankara Seva Sadanam & Aarogya Kudumbam-Senior Citizens Home-Coimbatore
Shankara Seva Sadanam which is just opposite Vanasprastha there are vancies in newly built second floor only. But there is NO lift. If your health can permit please come and have a look. You will get priority if there is any vacancy arises in First Floor in future. We have all functions etc celeberate/conduct together with Vanaprastha.
There are vacancies at Aarogya Kudumbam. The climate,accomodation, construction etc are excellant; but there are some handicaps like:
Distance from Coimbatore=20 kms
Food : NOT brahmin but good & pure vegetarian
Broadband connection:: Not yet available,I think
Conveyance: Bus from main road{ half KM} ;takes one hour or taxi Rs.400 to Railway station .If you have your own vehicle it will be good. We stayed there from Feb to May,09
Please let me know.
Regards,
raghavan
IV.Retirement Home- Tapovan Senior Homes at Coimbatore .
From: Mani iyer CEO Tapovan <tapovanbooking@ gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Aug 6, 2010 at 12:56 AM
Subject: Your Residence at Coimbatore ( Latest Update)....
To:
Dear Sir / Madam,
We offer you lots of options for your old age at Coimbatore.
For Your Ownership Residence ::
Kindly go through the Layout attached.... ... 0-Serious designed for ownership... ..,.Availability of ownership is detailed on our Rate Card - ownership (excel sheet) attched..... .Also y go through building plans attached.... .
For your Residence on Lease Basis
Kindly go through the attachment of word document " terms & conditions for lease basis.doc", which will give you entire detail.
We take privilege to request you forward the these details to your friends and relatives.
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With regards,
Mani T.Iyer,
Chief Executive Officer & Secretary ,
Tapovan Senior Citizens' Foundation,
Residence 2 B/ Tapovan Complex,
Karadimadai Road,
Madhampatti Village,
Coimbatore - 64 10 10.
Mobile : Tamilnadu No. 9047012598
Residence : 0422 - 2608410 (Coimbatore - Whenever I am at Coimbatore )
============ ========= =========
Website : www.tapovancoimbato re.blogspot. com/Email : tapovanbooking@ gmail.com
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V.Retirement Home-Serene Living -coimbatore
Dear All,
We had recently taken part in Budget Home Exhibition at Chennai Trade Centre. My course mate from National Defence Academy Colonel CR Sundar and his wife Mrs Usha Sundar are on a mission to have a separate TV Channel for soldiers, sailors, airmen and Veterans.
Colonel and Mrs Sundar make it a point to promote events of serving and retired soldiers. It was pleasure to have them at the exhibition. The Interview of me is at:
VI. Nana Nani -Retirement Homes @ Thondamuthur Coimbatore by Ananya Shelters
On Tue, 26/10/10, Meenakshi Iyer <min...@indiatimes.com> wrote:-
Greetings from Shiva and Meenakshi Iyer.
I want you publish this if found useful.
Greetings.
One samaritan friend in 2003/04 introduced us to the concept oc community living where she with her husband was living for a year then.
In Dec,2004, we could get a cottage in Dhyanaprastha, a senior citizen's complex, housing along with it three sister-prasthas about 120 cottages of Hindus-pattars. It is indeed a huge joit family, with privacy. They were very very happy and are still with us enjoying their second childhood.
Now many new complexes have come up. But in
Thondamuthur Road, about 9kms away from our community, another complex is coming up,under the guidance and auspices of our chairman. This enclosed write-up is to enable like-minded people to avail this.
This project has an added advantage that the cottages are offered on ownership basis, so that the buyer benefits to gain from market conditions.
I write this to benefit youngsters to give this huge gift to their parents and be happy. If you can't see the pictures in this email, click here to see it in a web browser: http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=591378869115%3A211533797&sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=eMail-_-Share-_-Photos-_-Sharee
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